While interning with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Florida, third year law student Abigail Lyle was involved in a Medicare fraud case for trial. The case involved a medical clinic that defrauded Medicare of more than $2.8 million dollars. The clinic fraudulently billed Medicare for dosages of expensive HIV medications but patients did not receive the medication for which Medicare was billed. Clinic personnel also paid kickbacks to Medicare beneficiaries to induce them to continue to attend the clinics. Abigail was given the opportunity to sit third chair throughout the entire two week trial and conduct five direct examinations of witnesses during the trial in front of Federal District Judge Altonaga. “We ultimately obtained a jury verdict of guilty on all counts against both defendants.” Abigail also assisted with pre-trial preparations such as interviewing witnesses and preparing exhibits. “It was such an incredible opportunity to be able to conduct direct examinations in federal court and go up against some of the city’s best defense attorneys while still in law school.”

Last spring Abigail took part in UM’s Litigation Skills program, and through the trial simulations, she was able to learn the skills necessary to conduct direct examinations and also gain confidence in her abilities. “I chose UM School of Law because I was impressed with the school’s excellent reputation for preparing its students for the practice of law, particularly through the Litigation Skills program because of the practical hands-on experience and the opportunity to receive feedback from some of Miami’s finest lawyers and judges.”

Throughout her years at UM, Abigail has been the recipient of a Dean’s Scholarship and is a member of the Miami Scholars Program; a scholarship based on academic achievement and a commitment to public service. Additionally, Abigail is the Writing & Research Editor of the University of Miami Law Review.

Abigail was born and raised in Toledo, OH until she moved with her family to Greenville, SC in her junior year of high school. Upon graduation, she received a full athletic scholarship to attend Furman University, where she played NCAA Division I volleyball, twice earning placement on the Verizon Academic All-American District Team and was a three-time member of the First Team, All-Southern Conference. She also was awarded the Furman University MVP three times and served as her team’s captain.

During one semester of her junior year at Furman, Abigail lived onboard a humanitarian ship in Lisbon, Portugal, and helped provide food and educational materials to impoverished persons. In her senior year, she participated in an 8-week foreign study program, traveling throughout South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Swaziland while studying the politics and history of southern Africa.

Academically, Abigail distinguished herself at Furman by graduating Magna Cum Laude with a major in Political Science, while earning prestigious memberships in Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Eta Sigma (a national scholastic honor society), and Phi Sigma Alpha (a national Political Science honor society).

Upon graduation from UM Law, Abigail will be working in the commercial litigation group at Hunton & Williams in Miami. “I’m really excited about the firm, and look forward to working alongside an amazing group of attorneys.” In her spare time, Abigail enjoys spending time with her husband, playing with her dog, horseback riding, and of course playing volleyball.